Youth Director

Position Overview

The Youth Director at Strongsville United Methodist Church develops and leads the youth program to create a community of belonging so that youth (grades 6-12) experience the love of Christ. This full-time position builds authentic relationships with students and their families inside and beyond the church, creating an environment where every young person feels known, valued, and connected to Christ. The Youth Director partners closely with pastoral staff, church leadership, and volunteers to create meaningful discipleship, service, and community outreach experiences that support both students and their families.

A successful Youth Director will:

• Exude the love of Christ and be passionate about equipping young people to become lifelong Christians.
• Create a thriving and welcoming youth ministry where students regularly invite friends.
• Build strong relationships with youth and families throughout the community of diverse personalities and backgrounds.
• Increase participation in discipleship, worship, service, and mission opportunities.
• Partner effectively with the broader church to support intergenerational faith development.
• Support and advance the mission, vision, and values of Strongsville United Methodist Church and demonstrate a commitment to collaborative ministry.

Key Responsibilities

1. Discipleship & Faith Development

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive discipleship strategy for youth ministry
• Coordinate with pastors, church staff, and volunteers on core programming (e.g., Sunday School, Confirmation, Youth Group)
• Provide opportunities for deeper Biblical learning, accountability, and spiritual growth
• Encourage youth leadership in worship, ministry, and service opportunities
• Collaborate with church staff on ensuring the church equips and encourages parents as the primary spiritual influencers in their children’s lives through communication, resources, and partnership opportunities
• Develop a leadership pipeline that identifies, mentors, and equips both youth and adult leaders for increasing ministry responsibilities
• Build and lead a Youth Ministry Team aligned to youth ministry and SUMC goals
• Foster a culture of encouragement, appreciation, and shared leadership

3. Missions, Outreach & Community Engagement

• Coordinate and participate in a variety of service opportunities, including leading mission trips locally and beyond.
• Prepare youth spiritually to serve, and reflect with youth afterwards; so that youth will grow in the deep joy of serving the Lord
• Cultivate an invitational culture where students actively welcome peers and share their faith through relationships, events, and service opportunities
• Build relationships with local schools, organizations, and community groups through digital and physical presence and service
• Attend youth concerts, games, etc. to show the church’s love for youth in the broader communities
• Maintain active digital and social media presence to connect with youth and families
• Provide spiritual support, encouragement, and referrals to pastoral staff and community resources when students or families are experiencing challenges or crisis situations
• Design and implement engaging, relevant, and safe youth programming
• Develop initiatives and relationships that attract new students and strengthen retention
• Partner with Children’s Ministry to ensure continuity and growth across age groups
• Stay informed of students’ lives, school activities, and key milestones so as to celebrate wins, provide encouragement, and offer support to individuals

5. Administration & Communication

• Establish annual ministry goals aligned with church vision
• Provide regular updates and reports to pastoral staff and church leadership
• Maintain accurate records of participation and key contact information for participants
• Develop and manage the youth ministry budget in partnership with the Finance Committee
• Ensure timely and consistent communication with youth, parents, and the congregation
• Ensure compliance with Safe Sanctuary policies and all safety protocols
• Develop annual ministry plans and ministry calendars
• Monitor participation trends and engagement metrics
• Evaluate ministry effectiveness and recommend improvements

6. Personal Development & Spiritual Leadership

• Maintain a strong personal faith and commitment to spiritual growth
• Pursue ongoing professional and ministry development opportunities
• Practice healthy boundaries and personal well-being (spiritually, emotionally, and physically)
• Lead by example in character, integrity, and Christian living

Secondary Responsibilities

• Support broader church ministry needs as appropriate (e.g., worship participation, children’s ministry, church events)
• Occasionally cover other staff members’ absences

Reporting Relationships

• Reports to the Senior Pastor
• Partners closely with church staff, ministry leaders, and committees

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent ministry, leadership, education, or related experience
• Experience leading or building youth ministry programs
• Strong Biblical knowledge and teaching ability
• Willingness to learn and teach United Methodist theology and perspectives
• Understanding of youth development, special needs, and family dynamics
• Ability to build relationships with youth, families, and volunteers
• Strong communication, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills
• Must meet Safe Sanctuary requirements, including background checks
• Full-time position with a flexible schedule
• Requires evenings, weekends, and participation in church and community events
• Local travel required for ministry activities. Distance travel may be involved for mission trips, conferences, and camps.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary $34,000-$38,000, commensurate with experience